Perceptions of overweight in a Caribbean population: the role of health professionals.

Background: The prevalence of obesity and its complications is particularly high in the Caribbean. Underestimation of weight status could explain the failure by subjects concerned to adopt behaviours complying with medical recommendations. Little research is available on the role of health professionals in overweight perception.

Association of 2238T>C polymorphism of the atrial natriuretic peptide gene with coronary artery disease in Afro-Caribbeans with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is known mainly for its effects on kidney function and blood pressure homeostasis. We investigated the association between two ANP polymorphisms and pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients of African descent with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and retrospective study of 218 volunteer Afro-Caribbean patients with T2D.

High blood pressure and obesity: disparities among four French Overseas Territories.

Background And Purpose: The epidemiological characteristics of hypertension and obesity in French Overseas Territories (FOTs) have never been compared.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey included representative population-based samples of 602, 601, 620 and 605 men and women aged more than 15 years, respectively, from four FOTs of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and French Polynesia. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) at least 140/90 mmHg or the current use of antihypertensive treatment.

Improving stroke prevention in the French West Indies: limits to lay knowledge of risk factors.

Background And Purpose: We sought to evaluate lay knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular diseases in the French West Indies.

Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional study of 1005 randomly selected men and women (54%) age 25 to 74 years from Guadeloupe and stratified by sex, age, and region was established to ascertain the population's knowledge and awareness of chronic diseases. Questions were asked about the respondent's knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors as well as their opinions and beliefs about measures to prevent these diseases.

Controlling arterial hypertension in the French West Indies: a separate strategy for women?

Background: To estimate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of arterial hypertension in Guadeloupe.

Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional study of 1005 men and women (54%) aged 25-74 years from Guadeloupe, stratified by sex, age and region was set up to determine the prevalence of hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using an automated device and hypertension was defined as having a mean BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or receiving drug treatment.

Adiponectin multimers and ADIPOQ T45G in coronary artery disease in Caribbean type 2 diabetic subjects of African descent.

Ethnic differences may affect the association of adiponectin (Ad) multimers with coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed the associations of total Ad, Ad multimers, and T45G polymorphism of ADIPOQ gene with pre-existing CAD. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 216 Afro-Caribbean type 2 diabetic (T2D) subjects.

Prevalence and therapeutic control of hypertension in French Caribbean regions.

Objective: To describe characteristics of hypertension in French Caribbean regions.

Design: A cross-sectional worksite study.

Setting And Participants: A random sample of 6136 workers referred for annual check-up from Martinique, French Guyana and Guadeloupe.